ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) vs Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) is the premium option for gamers, delivering a 144Hz refresh rate and a powerful RTX 4050 GPU. However, if you prioritize a stunning display and portability, the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) shines with its 500-nit brightness and lightweight design, making it easier to take on the go. Key specs: Display: 15.6" vs 13.6" and Refresh: 144 Hz vs 60 Hz.
Why compare these? Both the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) and Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) are high-end laptops competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for high-end features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | ASUS TUF | Apple MacBook |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3★ (66 reviews) | ✓4.8★ (1,823 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Large 90Wh battery provides excellent endurance for a gaming laptop | Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing |
| Main Drawback | Screen brightness is limited to 250 nits, making outdoor use difficult | Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB) |
| Market Position | Premium | Premium |
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB)
AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS (Zen 3+, 8 cores, up to 4.75 GHz)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU (6GB GDDR6, 140W TGP max)
No (Not supported on Ryzen 7 7735HS)
Dual Arc Flow Fans (84-blade) with 4 exhaust vents
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
16-core Neural Engine
Passive (Fanless silent design)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) vs Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB)
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
| Criterion | ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.3(66)Amazon | ★4.8(1,823)Amazon |
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS (Zen 3+, 8 cores, up to 4.75 GHz) | Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency) |
Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU (6GB GDDR6, 140W TGP max) | Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config) |
AI Engine | No (Not supported on Ryzen 7 7735HS) | 16-core Neural Engine |
Cooling | Dual Arc Flow Fans (84-blade) with 4 exhaust vents | Passive (Fanless silent design) |
RAM | 16 GB DDR5-4800 (2x 8GB SO-DIMM) | 8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory |
RAM Upgrade | Yes (2x DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB) | No (Unified Memory architecture) |
Storage | 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD |
Storage Upgrade | Yes (2x M.2 PCIe Gen 4 slots) | No (Soldered) |
Display Size | 15.6" | 13.6" |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (FHD) | 2560 x 1664 (Native) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:10 (plus additional height for menu bar/notch) |
Screen Type | IPS-level (Anti-glare) | Liquid Retina (IPS; LED-backlit) |
Refresh Rate | 144 Hz (G-SYNC supported) | 60 Hz |
Brightness | 250 nits (Typical) | 500 nits |
Color Gamut | 100% sRGB | Wide color (P3) |
Keyboard Layout | US English (ANSI) with NumPad | US English (Magic Keyboard) |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes (1-zone RGB Mini-LED) | Yes (Ambient light sensor) |
Biometrics | No (Not supported) | Touch ID (Fingerprint reader) |
Webcam | 720p HD camera | 1080p FaceTime HD camera |
USB Ports | 1x USB 4 Type-C (DisplayPort); 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort/PD/G-SYNC); 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A | 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 (Up to 40Gb/s; Charging; DisplayPort) |
Video Ports | 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL | USB-C DisplayPort (Supports 1 external display up to 6K@60Hz; OR 2 external displays with lid closed) |
Audio Ports | 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | 1x 3.5mm Headphone jack (Advanced support for high-impedance headphones) |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.3; Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3 |
Battery | 90 Wh (4-cell Li-ion) | 52.6 Wh (Lithium-polymer) |
Charger | 240 W AC adapter | 30W (Base 8-core GPU model) or 35W Dual Port / 70W Fast Charger (Higher configs) |
Weight | 2,200 g (4.85 lbs) | 1,240 g (2.7 lbs) |
Build Material | Plastic chassis with Aluminum lid (Mecha Gray) | 100% Recycled Aluminum enclosure |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home | macOS (Sonoma or later) |
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ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB)
AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS (Zen 3+, 8 cores, up to 4.75 GHz)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU (6GB GDDR6, 140W TGP max)
No (Not supported on Ryzen 7 7735HS)
Dual Arc Flow Fans (84-blade) with 4 exhaust vents
16 GB DDR5-4800 (2x 8GB SO-DIMM)
Yes (2x DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, up to 32 GB)
Pros
- Large 90Wh battery provides excellent endurance for a gaming laptop
- GPU runs at full 140W TGP for maximum RTX 4050 performance
Cons
- Screen brightness is limited to 250 nits, making outdoor use difficult
- Fans can become quite loud under turbo loads
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Apple M3 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency)
Apple M3 (8-core or 10-core GPU, depending on config)
16-core Neural Engine
Passive (Fanless silent design)
8 GB, 16 GB, or 24 GB Unified Memory
No (Unified Memory architecture)
Pros
- Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
- First MacBook Air to natively support two external monitors (in clamshell mode)
Cons
- Base model starts with only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (slow SSD speeds on 256GB)
- Limited to 60Hz refresh rate (no ProMotion 120Hz)
Which one is better?
The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) is the better buy for most people - its 144Hz refresh rate crushes the 60Hz of the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024). That said, grab the MacBook Air if you need a compact, lightweight laptop for productivity - it's 33% lighter and offers a premium build.
Who should buy each?
Choose the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) if: you want a high-refresh display for gaming, need powerful graphics performance, or require extensive connectivity options. (15.6" display, 144 Hz refresh)
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) if: you prefer a lightweight design, want a superior display for media consumption, or need a fanless operation for quiet environments. (13.6" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.3★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,823 reviews vs 66
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Large 90Wh battery Priority
Large 90Wh battery provides excellent endurance for a gaming laptop
→ Choose ASUS TUF
Significantly faster M3 Priority
Significantly faster M3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing
→ Choose Apple MacBook
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) leads with a 4.8★ rating versus 4.3★. That said, ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) or Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)?
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) is the better choice if you prioritize large 90wh battery provides excellent endurance for a gaming laptop. Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) wins if you value significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Both are rated highly (4.3★ vs 4.8★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) and Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)?
Key differences: ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) offers large 90wh battery provides excellent endurance for a gaming laptop, while Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) stands out with significantly faster m3 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Consider that ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop (FA507NU-DS74, Ryzen 7 7735HS/RTX 4050, 16GB/1TB) screen brightness is limited to 250 nits, making outdoor use difficult. Meanwhile, Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) base model starts with only 8gb ram and 256gb storage (slow ssd speeds on 256gb). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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